High School Catechetical Certification
The Department of Catholic Schools offers the Basic California Catechist Certification process to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to meet the faith formation needs of the children in their care. The five-phase process, available for all Catholic High school leaders and teachers in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, follows the criteria established by the Bishops of California to promote and standardize the competence of catechetical programs.
Program Overview
Catechetical Certification for High Schools is offered to all faculty and administrators serving in Catholic High Schools (Diocesan, Private, and Parish) within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (ADLA). The certification process equips teachers with the knowledge and skills to meet the faith formation needs of the youth in their care and meet the requirements for certification for the ADLA. Certification must be completed within 2 years from the date of hire date. The five phases process for California Basic Catechetical Certification includes:
Orientation Phase
Theology Phase
Specialization Phase
Spiritual Development (4 hours per year)
Practicum (Observation and Evaluation- after year 1)
Upon completion of all phases, participants will earn a California Basic Catechetical Certification and must be renewed every 4 years to remain valid.
Franciscan University's Catechetical Institute Option
(All phases of Basic Certification, On-going formation, and Master Catechist Certification for ADLA Catholic School Teachers & Leaders)
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles- Department of Catholic Schools is delighted to engage in a partnership with Franciscan University's Catechetical Institute. The Catechetical Institute (CI) is a large-scale international outreach of Franciscan University of Steubenville for ministry formation. CI was formally organized in 2015 and publicly launched in 2017 to serve Christ and his Church by forming those entrusted with the formation of others in any situation and ministry role — priests, deacons, religious, parents, parish and school leaders, teachers, catechists, and teams, whether professional or volunteer, from homes to diocesan hierarchies.
This option offer a one-stop shop approach for all catechetical formation needs of Catholic school teachers and administrators. A prescribed catechetical formation program encompassing all the phases (Orientation, Theology, Specialization/Renewal, Spiritual Development) outlined below (minus the practicum phase) has been developed offering teachers and catechists in Los Angeles Catholic Schools the ability to compete the basic certification process in 2 years or less dependent upon the pacing established by the learner. This opportunity is made possible at no cost to schools and learners through the generous support of the Dan Murphy Foundation. To begin this option, please visit the Franciscan at Home website for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to create your Franciscan at Home account.
Orientation Phase
10 hours required for Basic Certification
The Orientation phase consists of an overview of the certification process for Catholic school teachers and administrators (which is outlined on this website) and beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, selected courses available through Franciscans Catechetical Institute covering various topics relevant to Catholic School teachers. Please visit the Franciscan at Home website for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to create your Franciscan at Home account and begin the Orientation phase. Certified teachers may also use these courses as on-going formation.
Theology Phase
35 hours minimum required for Basic Certification
The theology phase provides an in depth knowledge of Catholic theology as related to core teachings of the Roman Catholic church. The course of studies is consistent with the guidelines found in the following documents: General Directory for Catechesis, Directory for Catechesis, Catechism of the Catholic Church, United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, Co-Workers in the Vineyard and Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us. The programs indicated below have been approved for completion of this phase:
Catechetical Institute Catholic Schools Track
RENEWAL/ON-GOING FORMATION: The Catechetical Institute Program offers numerous workshops related to Catholic school ministry and theological formation of teachers. Courses related to adult catechesis and doctrine offered through the platform can be used in the catechist renewal phase of certification.
BASIC CERTIFICATION: Catechists seeking basic certification using the Catechetical Institute must complete the prescribed course of study for Year 1 & Year 2 indicated on the CI platform.
Please visit the Franciscan at Home website for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to create your Franciscan at Home account and explore the workshops available.
Note: School Principals may consider group study approach with an entire faculty or religion department utilizing the CI platform. Please contact DCSCatecheticalCertification@la-archdiocese.org. for further information.
FOR RENEWAL ONLY: The Word on Fire Institute (WOFI) founded by Bishop Robert Barron, provides an interactive, relational, digital education format, in order to form missionaries in the Word on Fire ethos of evangelization, emphasizing Bishop Barron's style and methods of evangelizing the religiously unaffiliated.
The McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame offers a basic catechetical online program that is approved for Basic catechetical certification. See Foundations of Catholic Belief for further information. The course will be offered on the following dates:
October 23, 2023
January 8, 2024
February 26, 2024
Summer 2024 (TBD)
A certificate of completion awarding 35 hours to be submitted to the DCS and school principal upon completion of all course requirements.
The Augustine Institute offers theology course in an online, self-paced, engaging, and thorough Catholic catechesis. The Short Courses curriculum is a nine-course, scaled-down version of the curriculum offered at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology. It focuses on three main areas of study: Scripture, doctrine, and the Christian life. This thorough curriculum will provide you with a systematic overview of Catholic theology. Augustine Institute-Short Courses (online) is approved for the DCS Theology phase of certification. Submission of the Certificate in Catholic Theology from the Augustine Institute is required.
Note: School Principals may consider group study approach with an entire faculty or religion department utilizing the Symbolon Program available through the Augustine Institute. Please contact DCSCatecheticalCertification@la-archdiocese.org. for further information.
Specialization Phase
12 hours minimum required for Basic Certification
This phase is meant to equip the catechist with tools and resources for specialized areas pertinent to catechetical ministry either by age, grade, subject specific, or other related areas. Skills and training may also focus on areas such as RCIA, Scripture study, Restorative Justice, specific cultural groups, life-long faith formation as well as catechetical areas such as: whole community catechesis, adult catechesis, the elderly, young adults, adolescent catechesis, comprehensive youth ministry, family catechesis, elementary, early childhood, and catechesis for those with special needs. The programs below have been approved for completion of this phase:
The Catechetical Institute Program offers numerous workshops related to Catholic school ministry and formation of Catholic school teachers and catechists.
Catechists seeking basic certification using the Catechetical Institute must complete the prescribed course of study for Year 1 & Year 2 indicated on the CI platform. (See Franciscan University's Catechetical Institute Option outlined above).
Please visit the Franciscan at Home website for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to create your Franciscan at Home account.
Sophia Institute offers engaging professional development and other materials to teachers. (Can also be used for Renewal Phase)
Christ in the Classroom Series: A Series of 21 episodes on various topics ranging from 45-75 minutes each. Certificates are available for $5 for each completed course. Click here for further information
Catechetical workshops- are designed to inspire, equip, and prepare K-12 teachers and parish catechists to instill in their students a deep and abiding love for Christ and His Church. Click here for further information
Courses- Two courses to choose from. Cost is $49 for the entire faculty and consist of six 45-minute videos. These courses must be facilitated by a Master Catechist or other approved facilitator. These courses can also be used for Renewal.
FOR RENEWAL ONLY: Magis Institute for Teachers and Catechists offers the Certification in Contemporary Apologetics Click here for further info.
RE Congress is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education. Over three days 300+ workshops are presented with a wide range of topics that can be used for Specialization and/or Renewal. (DCS approved workshops only)
FOR RENEWAL ONLY: Online courses offered through the Pauline Center for Media Studies may be applied towards specialization hours. Proof or certificate of completion required.
The Word on Fire Institute (WOFI) founded by Bishop Robert Barron, provides an interactive, relational, digital education format, in order to form missionaries in the Word on Fire ethos of evangelization, emphasizing Bishop Barron's style and methods of evangelizing the religiously unaffiliated.
Programs, conferences, and workshops sponsored or hosted by DCS approved Catholic ministries and apostolates may be applied towards specialization hours.
Please contact DCSCatecheticalCertification@la-archdiocese.org for further information.
DCS High School Faculty Faith Formation Days
The Department of Catholic Schools annually host High School Faculty faith formation days. Attendance and participation at these events is required of parish and diocesan high schools and can be used toward Catechetical Certification Renewal. (Private Catholic High Schools are welcome to attend). In partnership with the Sophia Institute for Teachers, the dates for the 2023-2024 School Year are as follows:
Oct. 2, 2023 -Bishop Amat High School (San Gabriel & OLA Region)
Oct. 3, 2023 -Bishop Alemany High School (San Fernando Region)
Oct. 4, 2023 -Santa Clara High School (Santa Barbara Region)
Oct. 5, 2022 -Mary Star of the Sea High School (San Pedro & OLA Region)
Please click flyer to the left for further information.
Spiritual Development Phase
4 hours each year for basic certification and renewal
Ongoing spiritual formation is a vital aspect of any person serving in ministry and is completed each year to promote and strengthen the fundamental conversion that places God at the center of one’s life. This phase is intended to nourish the faith journey of the teacher through spiritual encounters with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Master Teacher . The following opportunities have been approved for completion of this phase:
Retreats & Days of Reflection
The following opportunities may be used towards fulfillment of these hours:
School/Parish sponsored retreats including faculty retreats
Spiritual Retreats sponsored by Catholic Retreat Houses & Centers
DCS sponsored Retreats & Days of Reflection
ADLA Programs & Ministries
Programs offered through various ministries of the The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office including:
Special Events/ Ministries/ Spiritual Direction:
Please contact DCSCatecheticalCertification@la-archdiocese.org for further information.
The Catechetical Institute offers numerous workshops related to spiritual renewal and development. Please visit the Franciscan at Home website for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to create your Franciscan at Home account and explore the workshop offerings.
Please contact DCSCatecheticalCertification@la-archdiocese.org for further questions.
Practicum Phase
(FOR BASIC CATECHETICAL CERTFICIATION ONLY)
This phase is one classroom observation/evaluation of the candidate’s performance by the religion department chair, a certified Master Catechist or the school's priest chaplain. Contact dcscatecheticalcertification@la-archdiocese.org to be connected with a certified Master Catechist for this phase if needed.
Candidate must have taught for one year at the school site before the observation and evaluation is completed.
The Practicum Phase – Observation & Evaluation Form must be used and may either be printed and written on directly or completed electronically and uploaded to the Catechetical Documentation Upload Form Portal upon completion of all phases.
Renewal Phase
Every 4 years after Basic Certification
The Basic California Catechist Certification expires four (4) years after the date of issue. After the teacher has obtained the Basic California Catechist Certificate, the catechist moves into yearly faith formation and the Basic California Catechist Certificate Renewal Process. This process keeps the certification current for the teacher.
To renew the certificate within the four-year term, 10 hours must be completed annually for a total of forty (40) hours, to be submitted before the certificate’s expiration date.
The renewal phase may consist of a combination of theology and/or specialization but must include (4) hours of Spiritual Development annually.
The catechist must demonstrate on-going catechetical formation in alignment with the Annual Cycle of Faith Formation for Catholic Schools
The completed Renewal Verification Form and a copy of the original Basic California Catechist Certificate is submitted to the Department of Catholic Schools every four years for a Basic Catechist Certificate Renewal Certificate.
Forms
To access forms, click on the buttons below.
Ready to begin?
Follow the instructions below to begin the process of Catechetical Certification or Renewal
Complete and submit DCS Catechetical Certification Teacher Profile and Application form
Complete all phases of the certification or renewal process.
Submit:
For Basic Certification: Basic California Catechist Verification Form and any applicable supporting documentation (certificates, etc…) at the conclusion of all phases.
For Certification Renewal: Basic California Catechist Renewal Verification Form and any applicable supporting documentation (certificates, etc…) at the conclusion of all phases.
Submit the completed verification forms and supporting documentation to Catechetical Documentation Upload Form Portal
Provide copies of all submitted documents to your school principal for your file.
Request Basic Catechetical Certificate or Renewal Certificate via email at dcscatecheticalcertification@la-archdiocese.org
Certificates will be emailed to the applicant upon review and approval of all documentation
Completed forms can be uploaded to the:
MASTER CATECHIST CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
The following programs are approved for Master Catechist Certification through the Department of Catholic Schools
M.A. in Pastoral Ministry
St. John’s offers an online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Program for directors of religious education, youth ministers, campus ministers, catechists, K-12 theology teachers, and anyone else interested in receiving formation for ministry, such as permanent deacons.
This program will help students improve their knowledge of the Catholic intellectual tradition, and improve their ministerial skills for the life of the Church. Students will be prepared to work in different areas of ministry, and make professional and personal connections with others of the same mind and spirit. Please visit: https://stjohnsem.edu/mapm-program for further information.
Are interested in becoming a a Catechetical Mentor?
Please contact erubalcava@la-archdiocese.org to explore this opportunity.